Cleveland Metroparks Tales & Trails Podcast

Join Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman and special guests, including Northeast Ohio's most prominent community leaders. Each episode will go in-depth on topics ranging from the revitalization of Northeast Ohio and progress to elevate Cleveland as a waterfront community, to nature-based topics focused on wildlife and ecological resilience. Each month, we’ll answer questions from our community on the topics sparking curiosity.

Partnering for a Healthier Region with MetroHealth 01/12/2026

Partnering for a Healthier Region with MetroHealth In this episode of Tales & Trails presented by KeyBank, Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman connects with Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager, President and CEO of MetroHealth, on how the Park District and public hospital system are partnering for a healthier region. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/39652650

Power of Community: How Donors Make the Difference at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo 12/01/2025

Power of Community: How Donors Make the Difference at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo The Cleveland Zoological Society has been a proud nonprofit partner of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for nearly 70 years. Hear from Sarah Crupi, Chief Executive Officer of the Zoo Society, and Board Chair Christine Myeroff on recent improvements to the Zoo, why philanthropic and community support is so critical, and big plans ahead for the Zoo’s 150th anniversary. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/39180255

From the Hardwood to the Trail: Nic Barlage on Civic Pride and Regional Wins 11/17/2025

From the Hardwood to the Trail: Nic Barlage on Civic Pride and Regional Wins In this episode of Cleveland Metroparks Tales & Trails podcast, Rock Entertainment Group CEO Nic Barlage joins us to explore how the Cleveland Cavaliers’ recent partnership with Cleveland Metroparks celebrates the city’s spirit on and off the court. From City Edition jerseys that honor the Emerald Necklace to community initiatives that plant trees and foster civic pride, Nic shares how sports, nature, innovation and collaboration strengthen our region. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/39040995

Rooted in Community: How Civic Leadership is Elevating Northeast Ohio 11/03/2025

Rooted in Community: How Civic Leadership is Elevating Northeast Ohio Yvette Ittu has been a regional leader for over 40 years at the intersection of finance, planning and government. On this episode of Tales & Trails, you can hear her story on the power of parks, people and public investment and how volunteerism and civic leadership is playing a major role in shaping the economic revitalization of our region. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/38863265

Key Connections: Reflections on Legacy, Leadership & Community 200 Years in the Making 10/06/2025

Key Connections: Reflections on Legacy, Leadership & Community 200 Years in the Making In this episode of Tales & Trails presented by KeyBank, Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman sits down with Trina Evans, Chief of Staff and Director of Corporate Center at KeyBank, to celebrate Key’s remarkable 200-year milestone. From bringing back the beloved ZooKeys to championing STEM education, Trina reveals how KeyBank partners with the community to create a lasting impact through legacy, innovation, vision and enduring values. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/38457425

Growing the Game: Why Public Golf Matters More Than Ever 09/01/2025

Growing the Game: Why Public Golf Matters More Than Ever Pat Jones has been a passionate advocate for the golf industry for 30 years and a business media executive for most of his adult life. Hear from Pat on this golf-centric episode where we swing into the growing game of golf, industry trends, tips from the pros & more. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/38020205

From Landfill to Landmark: The Story of West Creek Reservation 08/04/2025

From Landfill to Landmark: The Story of West Creek Reservation A shopping center, a golf course and a landfill were some of the proposed or former uses for the scenic natural landscapes and waterways that make up West Creek Reservation. Hear from Derek Schafer, Executive Director of West Creek Conservancy, on how Cleveland Metroparks 16th park reservation came to be and where it’s headed. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/37637715

Park Secrets & Founding Stories: A Century of Cleveland Metroparks 07/07/2025

Park Secrets & Founding Stories: A Century of Cleveland Metroparks First established in 1917, Cleveland Metroparks has been a pioneer in the parks and recreation field since its inception. Hear from lead park historian Judy MacKeigan on park founder William Stinchcomb, turbulent and exuberant times for the Park District over the past century and unique finds, anecdotes and artifacts she’s uncovered over the past 15 years. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/37274835

Pushing Limits, Making Waves: Katie Spotz’s Journey for Clean Water 06/02/2025

Pushing Limits, Making Waves: Katie Spotz’s Journey for Clean Water Katie Spotz is an endurance athlete, charitable ambassador, author, world-record holder and a native of Northeast Ohio. When she’s not out competing in Ironman triathlons, cycling across the country or rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, she’s probably training in Cleveland Metroparks. Hear how Katie is testing her limits in the Emerald Necklace and abroad to raise awareness for safe drinking water projects around the world. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/36779380

Kickin’ it with Kenny in the Parks! 05/05/2025

Kickin’ it with Kenny in the Parks! Emmy Award winning Fox 8 reporter Kenny Crumpton has been a staple on Cleveland television for over 25 years – and an avid outdoor enthusiast for even longer. When he’s not on television, he can be found exploring Cleveland Metroparks through biking, golfing, rock climbing & more. Hear from Kenny Crumpton and CEO Brian Zimmerman on his eccentric experiences in Cleveland, his adventures in the parks and what drives his long-term success while learning a tip or two about getting the most out of the Emerald Necklace. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/36396400

Pints & Parks: Brewing Partnerships with Purpose 04/07/2025

Pints & Parks: Brewing Partnerships with Purpose For over 15 years, brewmaster and co-founder of Fat Head’s Brewery, Matt Cole, has been brewing award-winning beers that helped establish Cleveland as a craft beer city. Today Fat Head’s is recognized as among the best brewers of contemporary American-style IPAs and traditional German beers. But beyond a commitment to exceptional craft beers, is a commitment to community philanthropy – led by Matt Cole. Hear more about the long partnership between Fat Heads and Cleveland Metroparks and why Cole feels crafting products with purpose is an important component to the brand’s success. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/36007935

The Art of the Trail (Part 2) 03/10/2025

The Art of the Trail (Part 2) Hear from Jackson Wolf, Cleveland Metroparks Trails Construction Manager, on trail design and construction, his favorite recent projects across the Emerald Necklace, and new trails underway in this bonus episode on the Art of the Trail. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/35575045

The Art of the Trail 02/28/2025

The Art of the Trail Cleveland Metroparks features over 125 miles of paved trails that connect communities but arguably the most scenic trails in the Emerald Necklace are the remaining 210 miles of “natural surface trails” that meander through, climb up and bridge over some of the most primitive areas of the Park District. Hear from Jim Rodstrom, Director of Construction, on the art of building sustainable trails for mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking & even for use by the wildlife that live here. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/35472645

Parks to Prosperity: Building Northeast Ohio through Outdoor Tourism 02/03/2025

Parks to Prosperity: Building Northeast Ohio through Outdoor Tourism Cleveland Metroparks is a point of pride for the region but it’s also a driver of the tourism economy, attracting visitors and generating $616 million annually in direct visitor spending. Hear from CEO Brian Zimmerman and David Gilbert, President & CEO of Destination Cleveland, on how we work collaboratively to attract people to the region and its resources for the benefit of all. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/35098870

Activating Cleveland’s Lakefront 01/06/2025

Activating Cleveland’s Lakefront It’s been over a decade since Cleveland Metroparks established management of Cleveland’s lakefront parks and rededicated them for public benefit. Hear Board of Park Commissioner Dan T. Moore on the challenges and opportunities of activating Cleveland’s lakefront and how it has helped transform the region. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/34701045

The Future Zoo 12/02/2024

The Future Zoo In 2032, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo turns 150 years old. From its early beginnings to the sprawling 183 acres today, learn how zoos have changed physically, philosophically and purposefully to secure a future for wildlife around the world. Guest Dr. Chris Kuhar also goes in-depth on the Primate Forest, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s largest capital project in its history. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/34166535

Everything Trails 11/01/2024

Everything Trails Learn about the vast network of trails throughout Cleveland Metroparks, the philosophy behind it, why it’s important and what’s to come in Tales & Trails Episode 2, “Everything Trails", featuring special guests Mary Cierebiej, Executive Director of the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, and Mayor of Solon Eddy Kraus. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/33738987

How it Started, How it’s Going: Building an Emerald Necklace 09/27/2024

How it Started, How it’s Going: Building an Emerald Necklace Over a century ago, the idea for the Ohio’s first Park District was envisioned as an “Emerald Necklace” of greenspace encircling the city of Cleveland – providing the region with relaxation and respite to soften the quick rise of industry. Hear from CEO Brian Zimmerman and Board of Park Commissioner Bruce Rinker on what’s changed for Cleveland Metroparks, what hasn’t, and projects underway that are bringing back the past to shape the present. /episode/index/show/dc653180-ef10-44b1-bb3d-535124bd5839/id/33025952

Cleveland Metroparks Tales & Trails Podcast

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